I'm gonnna do the mod from k2rd (adding washers to block off the bypass hole). Is there anything I need to be aware of or is this just as simple as pulling the bolt/spring/thermowax assembly, adding washers, replacing o-ring & copper washer, then re-install?

 

Yeah, I believe there is. Go to the Mazdatrix site http://www.mazdatrix.com and look under FAQ I think. There, there is an article that warns you that there is a roller bearing, spacer(Darn I forget the correct name) that can fall down and get pinched when you put the front pulley back on. If you cannot find that site and the article, write back and I'll try again. I also this day read a post that asked if you should pull the lower manifold and replace the o'rings an gasket. I say no, if they are not leaking now, let it be. Don't mess with something that is'nt broke and is no fun to fix. EDIT...I just looked at mazdatrix. Its called FRONT PULLEY/THRUST BEARING and its under FAQ. Important reading. I've done what you are about to do except I bought theirs.

 

Thanks, I knew I had read that somewhere. I just couldn't find it. I'll have a buddy sit in the car & hold the clutch pedal in while making the swap. I can't find anything if I do a search for "thermowax". What did you buy? Or were you talking about the gizmo that increases the allowable pressure before it bypasses?

 

On the Mazdatrix site, go to Section B. Select engine parts. Now select Front engine parts. About a quarter way down the page there is a picture of what they call # 11-Plug(for 86-95 cars). It is supposed to replace the oil thermostat in the listing just above it. It could be I misunderstood your post. I do that on many occasions. The book calls this the ECCENTRIC SHAFT BYPASS VALVE. I need to visit k2rd site more often.

 

One other warning, when you replace the copper washer on the eccentric shaft bolt, use something on the bolt (grease, petroleum jelly, permatex) to hold the copper washer on the shoulder of the bolt. Mine fell off the shoulder, and after torquing down the bolt, it blew oil all over the front of the engine, as high up as the alternator and onto my glasses once when I opened the hood with the engine running. One other alternative, get a new bolt, the washer is permanently attached correctly on it. Mazdatrix carries 'em.

Irv, Keith's dad

 

its is made of billet aluminium or stainless cant remeber i have one and it gives the rotors solid pressure not based on wax or temp ...it is not that expensive and it cant wear out or break ....

 

Be advised of what Irv said. Also make sure you get a good torque on the bolt. I didn't. The bolt started to unwind on the way to work one day. Lower oil pressure made me aware of that. Splatters oil all over the place. I find the best way to torque it adequatly is to take that cover for the flywheel that is located just in front of the clutch slave cylinder off, and jam the flywheel while torquing the pulley nut. Also I think you are using the k2rd method with the five washers instead of the billet form Mazdatrix or whoever. Right? Never done that method. Ted's site is one good site to go to for information. Just thought I'd throw that in. Until recently I have known about his site but never really thoroughly read it. It deal with the fix you are doing. Also I think the Factory Manual mentions using some sealant on the bolt. You might want to check that out.

 

Yep, the bolt from Mazdatrix came with Permatex Blue semi-permanent sealer on it. I recommend using that, because it can cause you all sorts of trouble if the bolt falls off.

Irv, Keith's dad

 

Yeah, I'm gonna add the washers as shims from RETed's site. The cart has been down for 2 weeks now waiting for the injectors to get back from RC Engineering. New struts on last weekend, A/F meter going in, fuel pump rewired...... Will this never end????

 

if i can ask and whats the address for the rc engineering ?

 

I grabbed a digital A/F meter form www.gadgetseller.com
There isn't much to it. Basically a volt meter & LCD instead of the green/yellow/red lights. RC Engineering is at www.rceng.com

 

@*&$ing Mazda dealership!!!!!!! I just picked up my "copper crush washer" & "o-ring" to do this mod. What did I get??????? A 1/8" thick donut looking piece o'crap labelled "thrust plate" & an o-ting with a metal band of some sort around it! I had to e-mail them the picture from the site before they had any idea what I was talking about. Thermowax? what is thermowax? I think it may be time to hunt down a fiche of the parts for the car so I can just call & give the at the dealership the part #. Damn I'm pissed!

 

its like this they hire a guy for 5.00 hr and expect him to do a 20.00 hr job mine was a complet idiot also he finally let me look it up on the fische machine and give him the number ,i was up there all the time ,i liked it it would take me and hour to order a part and then i said let me look from then on i could order a part in say 10-15 but man the guy is a like lost......